In the money

Jet, Feb 9, 2004

For the first time in modern history, a Black lawmaker is in charge of a finance committee in the Mississippi Slate Legislature. State Rep. Percy Watson of Hattiesburg recently was named chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, making him the highest-ranking African-American in the Legislature.

A Democrat, he has served 25 years in state government and Watson's new post calls for him to find money to finance the state budget, most commonly through setting taxes. The veteran lawmaker also will work with the state's Appropriations committee, which determines how much money each state agency or project will receive.